December 17, 2025
Unpacking the DESTRESS Protocol - "S"is for Stress
By Lisa Wise
December 17, 2025
We have covered Diet and Exercise; this week, we move to the third letter of the DESTRESS Protocol: S is for Stress.
Most people aren’t even aware of the profound impact stress has on their physical health. I often hear individuals blame "feeling sick," headaches, or lack of focus on external factors, when the real culprit is hidden stress.
In our fast-paced world, it’s not about if or when you’ll face a stressful situation—it’s about how you manage it and your awareness of how it’s playing out in your daily life.
The Ripple Effect of Stress
According to the Mayo Clinic, stress symptoms affect your body, your thoughts, and your behaviors. Here is how those "Step-by-Step" connections often look:
If your Body feels... Headaches
Your Mind creates... Anxiety
Your Behavior becomes... Overeating or Under-eating
If your Body feels... Sleep Issues
Your Mind creates... Sadness or "Prickliness"
Your Behavior becomes... Social withdrawal or getting sick easier
The Science of "Fight-or-Flight"
When you are stressed, your body triggers a "fight-or-flight" response, surging the hormone cortisol into your bloodstream. This makes your heart race and your muscles tighten.
While this response is designed to protect you in life-threatening situations, it is simply not sustainable to live in this state day in and day out—whether it’s caused by traffic, work deadlines, or constant digital pings. Over time, chronic cortisol exposure takes a serious toll on your immune system and overall quality of life.
The good news? Awareness is the first step toward a reset.
Take the Next Step
Next week, we will uncover proactive ways to manage these stressors. In the meantime, if you know someone struggling to find balance, please share this message with them!
Ready to proactively manage your stress and reclaim your health?
Visit my website to learn more about my DESTRESS Protocol: www.step-by-stepwellness.com
Hugs and Health,
Lisa